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Lois's Risk

By Kimberly Grist

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Lois’s Risk
By
Kimberly Grist

 
Copyright © 2018 Kimberly Grist

Published by Forget Me Not Romances (a division of Winged Publications) 2015

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the permission of author or Forget Me Not Romances.

All of the characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.
 
Dedication
To farmers everywhere. Thank you.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galations 6:9 NLT
 
He has shown you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
 

Chapter 1

“If a young lady is not engaged, she may receive calls from any unmarried gentleman she desires and may accept invitations freely. She should exercise discretion, however, as to whom she favors in the acceptance of such invitations.”
Houghton, Walter R. American Etiquette Rules of Politeness
New York: Standard Publishing House, 1883.

Standing in front of the picture window in her dress shop, Lois arranged the simple one-piece tea gown on the mannequin. Unlike her preferred style, which required detailed measuring and fittings, the only sizing on this dress was accomplished by cinching the built-in belt. She redressed the child mannequin and placed a ragdoll under its arm.
Placing her hand on the window pane, she gazed at the many businesses, newly revitalized by the railroad. Carrie Town now boasted a post office, blacksmith, general merchandise, barber shop, gristmill, and livery stable. A stockyard had been built a few miles north to create a holding area for cattle and other livestock that would be shipped by rail directly to various meatpacking plants.
The bright Texas sunshine streamed through the window highlighting the cheerful yellow calico on the matching mother-daughter outfits. Her smile turned south when she took in the state of her dress shop. Muslin, linen, and calico draped every surface, discarded by a previous customer she’d spent hours with this morning. “Perhaps, I will return once I’ve more time to consider,” the woman said.
I doubt she’ll return with a decision. More likely she will come to pillage through my goods, then complain it’s not the quality she is used to. Lois shook her head, then began folding the bolts of fabric she’d invested a small fortune in. The material was beautiful, and choices in color ranged from deep red to peacock blue which could be used alone or with the popular tartan fabrics.
Her mood lightened as the shop took on a neater impression. The whitewashed clapboard walls caught the light from the window and gave the room a cheery appearance. A fashionable dress, the color of a ripe plum hung on a hook awaiting the return of its owner for a final fitting.
Heading to her makeshift kitchen in the back of the shop, Lois put on a pot of coffee. The rich aroma soon filled the room. She placed several rag dolls in assorted colored calico dresses in the window. Smoothing the fabric, she returned the neat stacks to the shelves on the back wall.
Her friend, Rebecca, suggested she change tactics and expand her merchandise from dresses to other items and gifts, which might appeal to the mostly male population currently transitioning through the town as they shipped their goods and livestock.
The bell on her door tinkled signaling a customer. Lois glanced in the mirror and readjusted her blond curls to frame her face. She pushed back her shoulders, then forced a smile and stepped to the front of the store. She stifled a gasp at the sight of the bank owner.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Anderson. I’m surprised to see you. I hope you come on friendly terms? I know I haven’t missed any payments at the bank."
His smile reached his eyes, which were a piercing gray blue. He extended his hand in greeting. “Yes, very friendly, I hope.”
Lois admired the fine tailoring of his dark cutaway jacket which coordinated nicely with his fashionable gray striped trousers. Matt Anderson was a handsome man with dark hair slightly graying at the temples. He took a step toward the picture window. “There is an abundance of men in town, doing business with the railroad, but so few women. You’ve had to rethink your market. I’m impressed by your ingenuity.”
“I took the advice of a friend and added small gifts a traveler could take home to a loved one. The tea dress like the one on display, with the adjustable belt, has also been popular.” Heat rose from her neck to her face.
The banker took off his bowler hat, then nodded. “You were wise to take your friend's advice.”
Lois shuffled her feet. “Was there something in particular you are looking for? Perhaps for your daughter?”
Yes, Helen is the reason I’m here.” He smiled displaying perfect teeth. “Do you mind if I sit?”
“Of course not, please be seated.” Lois motioned toward a small marble-top bistro table and two chairs. ”Would you care for a cup of coffee?”
At his nod, Lois quickly poured, then placed two cups on a tray and returned to the table.
Placing his hat aside, Mr. Anderson took a sip of coffee. “I appreciate you giving me some time. I first thought to speak with you after church but decided it might be best if we could talk here.”
“Since you are one of the Sunday School teachers in my daughter’s class, you are aware of the advertisement for a husband they created for your friend, Miss Towns.” The banker raised his eyebrows.
Lois placed her hand over her mouth and giggled. “I don’t know if there is anyone in town who is not aware of their ad.”
His mouth twitched. “What you may not be aware of is my daughter hand-delivered a copy of the ad to me. Apparently, after much discussion with her friends. she thought I was as much in need of a wife as Rebecca needed a husband.”
He leaned forward. “I was a little annoyed Helen would discuss something so personal with her friends. It’s just been the two of us for so long. Although admittedly I am lonely at times, it never occurred to me Kate felt the same way.”
Lois smiled. “You have a lovely daughter. She is kind, considerate and smart. I’m sure she and all the girls meant well.”
“My daughter is my life, I would do anything to make her happy, but allowing her to pick out my wife is a little too far-reaching for me.”
His eyes twinkled, and he flashed another smile. “She was so business-like in her presentation about how she needed a mother and why I needed a wife. Flabbergasted is the best word I can come up with to explain my feelings. But since I took time to think about it, I’m touched. Which brings me to the reason for my visit.” He tapped the side of his cup. “I hope you will forgive me for the way I am going about things. But since you are obviously a business-minded person, I thought it best to present my case in this way.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Your case?”
Mr. Anderson nodded. “You are a hardworking, respectable young woman who would make a fine mother for Helen. Your reputation is stellar, and the fact you are well-liked in the community would be good for business. Although our age difference is greater than I care to admit, I would court you properly and do everything within my power to make you happy. You would want for nothing. I was happy in my first marriage. I would expect to be content if this relationship should prove out.”
“Mr. Anderson, I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, of course.” Lois studied her feet.
“I make a good living, but I have no objection if you would like to continue your business. That decision would be entirely up to you.” He stood, placing his hat on his head. “I would like to take you to dinner Thursday night. Is six o’clock acceptable to you?”
Lois nodded. “Yes, thank you.”
Taking her hand, he placed it to his lips. His eyes darkened to a slate blue. “I look forward to it.”
As she watched him leave, Daniel's face rose into her mind. Lois placed her hand to her heart. What is wrong with me? A handsome, distinguished man, good father with an excellent reputation wants to court me. He owns the bank, for goodness sakes. Why is it that I can only think of Daniel?
 

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